Sequelitis: Why directors aren’t returning for sequels to their films

While Housefull 3, which has been directed by Sajid Khan so far, will see director duo Sajid-Farhad at the helm. Rock On!! 2 will be directed by Shujaat Saudagar, instead of Abhishek Kapoor, who directed Rock On!!. There is also a buzz that the sequel of Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang will not be directed by him. Actor Sunny Deol has also directed the sequel of his film Ghayal, which was earlier directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

2016 may be touted as the year of sequels, but did you know that most of the sequels are not by the directors of the original films.

While Housefull 3, which has been directed by Sajid Khan so far, will see director duo Sajid-Farhad at the helm. Rock On!! 2 will be directed by Shujaat Saudagar, instead of Abhishek Kapoor, who directed Rock On!! (2008). There is also a buzz that the sequel of Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang (2014) will not be directed by him. Actor Sunny Deol has also directed the sequel of his 1990 hit film Ghayal, which was earlier directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

Filmmaker Umesh Ghadge, who directed Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, says that directing the third part was challenging as the first part of the franchise was directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the second installment was helmed by Sachin Yardi. “The previous parts have been successful, so, the responsibility increases,” says Gadge.

Trade analyst Atul Mohan says that this change in directors also affects the buzz around the film. “A certain brand is created by the filmmakers which the audience associate with. Then someone else comes and tries to make the next film with his own point of view,” he says.

Sajid, who directed the first two parts of Housefull (2010), also took to Twitter to talk about how he decided to not be a part of the third installment and how he regrets it now. “Replaced’ is when someone is removed..I said no to the film (a stupid decision) then as my best friend Sajid Nadiadwala n i were upset with each other..but by the time we patched up hf3 was already being directed by Farhad Sajid (sic),” he posted, adding, “…I REGRET HAVING REFUSED HF3.as i missed the fun of shooting.”

'Replaced'is when someone is removed..I said no to the film(a stupid decision) then as my best friend sajid nadiadwala n i were upset with